Organized religion arguably provides structure, meaning, and community to many people battling with the struggles of life yet during these challenging times we are seeing a proliferation of “false prophets” capturing the minds of individuals with messages of fear and guilt.
During my lifetime several good friends got caught in the web of religious sects, surrendering their lives including all their material assets to the group.
They would bombard me with the enthusiasm of how their lives had been transformed by “the teacher” “priest” or “guru”. I would repeatedly be invited to attend a meeting and made to feel like losing out on something very important.
The common traits of the cult
Fundamentalist groups and cults of all persuasions share a common trait. They are tribally insulating, separating the convert from all former friends, spouses, family, and associates. Anyone not sharing the same belief structure is termed as a non-believer, or as the enemy.
After having made the enormous personal sacrifice of giving up an old life it is extremely difficult to escape. Few people have the courage to admit that they made a huge mistake by believing in an illusion. After all external ties have been severed the individual is at the mercy of the group in providing a livelihood, food, and shelter. The friend, son, daughter, spouse you once cherished as a carefree individual is bombarding you with quotes from the master. You will hear: “But the guru said …”,it is the opinion of the guru that …” “the guru would not approve that …” “I would first have to ask the teacher if I can …”
At this point the friend or family member is far gone down the road of mind control, repeating the teachings of their leader like a recording device on automatic. They will find numerous excuses if you question the lavish lifestyle of the cult leader while the devotees are donating their last pennies. “It's all ultimately for a good cause,” they would say.
Decent and intelligent human beings are particularly vulnerable to the cult when they are going through a crisis of meaning or mental health challenge. The “prophet” is the last straw of hope, seemingly offering the perfect recipe. What follows is the complete surrender of personal responsibility to the guru or belief structure of the cult.
